giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes

1

or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines

2

capitalized : camelopardalis

giraffish

jə-ˈra-fish 

adjective

Illustration of giraffe

• giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By Christmas Eve, things like an angel, a drum, a giraffe, and something that could either be a duck or a goose hung side by side. —Katie Akin, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024

The Wondrous World of Wildlife highlights the zoo's western lowland gorillas and giraffes, among other animals. —Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

In the meantime, anyone who donates $100 or more to the Zoo is entered for a chance to name the new giraffe. —Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

Guests can also hang out with the animals during visits to the on-site Giraffe Center and an outdoor afternoon tea, with the brave placing a pellet between their lips to entice a giraffe kiss. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giraffe

• reticulated giraffe

Kids Definition

giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes or giraffe

: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals